In May, London bursts into life with a host of events reflecting its rich cultural heritage and contemporary vibrancy. Here's a selection of May events to please your guests.
NEW SHOW OPENINGS
For Six Weeks Only - Heathers the Musical
Following a smash hit West End run in 2018, two national tours and record-breaking runs at London’s The Other Palace, Heathers the Musical will be back in the West End this month.
Guests can experience Heathers the Musical differently – really up close and personal @sohoplace, the West End’s newest theatre before it embarks on its third tour from 24 July at the Theatre Royal Windsor.
Produced by Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul Taylor-Mills, this high octane, black comedy, rock musical is based on one of the greatest cult teen films of all-time that starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater.
When: 22nd May to 6th July.
Where: @sohoplace, Soho Place, W1D 3BG.
Tel: 0330 333 5961.
World Premiere of Fun at the Beach Romp-Bomp-a-Lomp!!
New musical Fun at the Beach Romp-Bomp-a-Lomp!! is to have world premiere in London this summer.
Mark Bell (The Play That Goes Wrong) directs a trip to the beach theatre-goers will never forget in this musical by Brandon Lambert and Martin Landry.
It’s a hot, sunny day and everyone is gearing up for a competition that will change (or end) their lives forever: the legendary Beach Romp-Bomp-a-Lomp!! Everyone wants to be King or Queen of the Beach, but who will get the crown? And will they all fall in love and live happily ever after?
When: 24th May to 22nd June.
Where: Southwark Playhouse Borough, SE1 6BD.
Tel: 020 7407 0234.
People, Places and Things Returns
Following critically-acclaimed runs at the National Theatre and Wyndham's Theatre and a UK tour, Duncan Macmillan’s People, Places and Things will return for a new run in the West End.
The play, directed by Jeremy Herrin and designed by Tony Award-winner Bunny Christie, sees Denise Gough back in the role of Emma, a struggling actress whose life is spinning out of control.
When: 3rd May to 10th August.
Where: Trafalgar Theatre, Whitehall, W1A 2DY.
Tel: 0333 009 6690.
EXHIBITIONS
Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition Opens This Month
The life and legacy of The People’s Princess is unveiled through iconic photos at this London debut of Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition. For the first time in the UK, world-famous Royal Photographers, Anwar Hussein and his two sons Samir and Zak, share their remarkable photographs of Princess Diana and her family, paired with first-hand accounts of the stories behind each moment. Every photo has a story behind it that hasn’t been heard before and is shared in the exhibition’s in-depth audio guide during the 60-minute experience.
When: 25th May to 2nd September
Where: Dockside Vaults, St Katharine Docks, E1W 1AT
GLORIOUS GARDENS
RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024
This annual favourite promises amazing garden designs, gorgeous floral displays and exclusive shopping. Held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, this prestigious event showcases stunning floral displays, garden designs, and horticultural excellence, drawing enthusiasts and experts alike.
With is a range of bookable catering facilities available, including three-course meals, seafood platters and afternoon tea, Chelsea Flower Show offers everything your guest needs for a wonderful day out.
When: 21st to 25th MayWhere: London Gate, Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4SRTel: 020 3176 5800
New Exhibition at Kew Gardens
Visitors to the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew can explore a brand new exhibition from leading contemporary artist Marc Quinn this spring and summer.
Light into Life presents 17 stunning stainless steel and bronze sculptures around the Gardens and in the Temperate House alongside a presentation of Quinn’s new and existing paintings, drawings, sculptures and evocative frozen works in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery.
When: 4th May to 29th September.
Where: Royal Botanical Gardens Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE.
Tel: 020 8332 5655.
Web: www.kew.org/kew-gardens.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
The Enormous Crocodile at Regent's Park
Families will enjoy this musical extravaganza, based on Roald Dahl's wickedly funny The Enormous Crocodile, featuring a menagerie of inventive puppets, unforgettable toe-tapping tunes and mischievous audience interaction. Opening at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, on 17th May and being staged by The Roald Dahl Story Company and Leeds Playhouse, this production offers perfect family fun in the heart of the city.
When: 17th May to 8th June.
Where: Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, Inner Circle, NW1 4NU.
Paddington The Experience
This multi-room, immersive experience will take guests into Paddington’s world. Visitors can explore recognisable locations from the Paddington stories, whilst embarking on an interactive adventure full of gameplay, to help Paddington and the Brown family prepare for a very special occasion.
When: From 31st May.
Where: County Hall, South Bank, SE1 7PB.
Tel: 020 4592 8671.
Covent Garden May Fayre & Puppet Festival
This 49th annual event celebrates Mr Punch's 362nd anniversary.
Punch & Judy Professors and Puppeteers from all over the country and abroad gather to perform in the Garden of St Paul’s Church on the second Sunday in May near the spot where Samuel Pepys first recorded sighting Mr Punch in May 1662.
The free event starts at 11am with a Grand Procession around the neighbourhood led by the Superior Brass Band. At noon there is a Special Church Service with Mr Punch in the pulpit, followed by Shows, Stalls and Workshops, Folk Music and Maypole Dancing. The British Puppet and Model Theatre Guild, The Punch & Judy Fellowship and the Punch & Judy Club will all be represented alongside local community groups including the Covent Garden Community Association.
When: 12th May, 11am to 5.30pm.
Where: St Paul's Church Garden, Covent Garden, WC2E 9ED.
HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Artisan Fayre at Hampton Court Palace
Explore the spectacular gardens of Hampton Court Palace as they transform into a bustling fayre full of independent stalls offering an array of handmade items.
Visitors can sample a stunning range of artisanal homeware, fashion accessories, luxury beauty products and much more, with full admission to Henry VIII’s famous palace included.
Those feeling creative can unleash their inner artist and discover the beauty of traditional crafts passed down through generations by taking part in a hands-on mini workshop.
When: 17th to 19th May.
Where: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU.
Windsor at War History Weekend
History and Royal buffs can experience what it was like in Windsor Castle during the Second World War at this special weekend event. Explore the WW2 vehicles which would have been familiar to the late Queen Elizabeth and learn how she contributed to the War Effort. Visit the Home guard HQ of “Dad’s Army” fame and watch how they prepare for an imminent invasion!
Participants can experience Home-guard drills at the Pug Yard Learning Centre or get crafty and make their own wartime posters, break enigma codes, or cut out and play the boardgame “Searchlight”.
When: 26th to 27th May.
Where: Windsor Castle, Windsor, SL4 1PE.
OPEN AIR THEATRE
Shakespeare's Twelfth Night
At a moonlit cafe surrounded by the sea, Olivia sings a lament to her lost brother, watched on by faded crowd.
When a shipwreck catapults Viola into their world of abandoned festivities, a web of disguise and deception begins. This new injection of life rocks this melancholic community to the core, but can she finally shake them from their languor and get the party started again?
Set against the heat of the Mediterranean sun, Shakespeare’s comedy of mistaken identities is a glorious celebration of love.
Directed by Owen Horsley (Henry VI: Rebellion, Wars of the Roses, Royal Shakespeare Company) it's a marriage of happiness, nostalgia and riotous partying.
When: 3rd May to 8th June.
Where: Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, Inner Circle, NW1 4NU.
ART FOR ALL
London Gallery Weekend
This is the world’s largest event of its kind, taking place over three days, each focusing on a different area of London. Free for all to attend, it provides an opportunity to discover and explore London’s world-class gallery scene, celebrating the city’s diverse cultural and creative communities. An extensive programme scheduled by galleries specially for the weekend includes talks, family workshops and special events.
Over 150 of London’s leading contemporary galleries will come together for London Gallery Weekend, offering special events, late night openings and more."
When: 31st May to 2nd June.
Where: Venues across London.
Affordable Art Fair
Situated on beautiful Hampstead Heath, this event showcases the best in contemporary art from over 100 galleries from the UK and around the world. Visitors can discover the joy of collecting art, with 1,000s of stunning artworks from £50 – £7,500, alongside emerging artist showcases, one of a kind installations, delightful bars and cafés to unwind in and much more.
When: 8th-12th May.
Where: Lower Fairground Site, Hampstead Heath, NW3 1TH.
MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT
Moonlight Sonata at St Martin-in-the-Fields
Visitors can join St Martin's Chamber Ensemble for a captivating hour-long programme of music by Beethoven, Elgar and more at this concert by candlelight.
Alongside beautiful ensemble works by Edward Elgar and Florence Price, acclaimed pianist Adam Johnson takes centre stage for the stirring Piano Concerto in A major by Mozart and an exquisite solo performance of Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight’ sonata.
When: 11th May, 7pm.
Where: St Martin-in-the-Fields